Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments

An award-winning author and illustrator bring Melville's masterpiece to life for a new generation of readers in a stunning gift edition.

A tragic tale of obsession and revenge set against the unforgiving sea, Herman Melville's MOBY-DICK has now been expertly edited and generously illustrated for the twenty-first-century reader. Here are the mad whaling captain Ahab, the all-observant narrator Ishmael, and the mysterious, invincible white whale himself, and here are scenes of peril and carnage, nobility and redemption — presented in Melville's original language, threaded together with passages of summary by renowned author Jan Needle. Lavish artwork by Patrick Benson, one of the finest children's illustrators working today, captures the timeless spirit of this extraordinary classic.

Synopsis

Moby Dick tells the tale of one man's crazed obsession to pursue his quarry and long-standing adversary, the fearsome great white whale. Captain Ahab sets out on his quest with a challenging crew on the Pequod, a 19th century whaling ship. Fuelled with vengeance and blind obsession, he braves the dangerous oceans, displaying an ultimate willingness to sacrifice everything in pursuit of his goal. One of the greatest sea stories ever told, Moby Dick is an epic adventure that explores human challenges and extremes and is a classic read.

About the Author

Jan Needle is the editor of BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA, illustrated by Gary Blythe. A journalist and playwright before turning to children's books, he is the author of several novels for children and has twice been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal. Jan Needle lives in Manchester, England.

Patrick Benson has illustrated dozens of children's books, including OWL BABIES by Martin Waddell, SQUEAK'S GOOD IDEA by Max Eilenberg, THE SEA-THING CHILD by Russell Hoban, and THE MINPINS by Roald Dahl. The recipient of a Mother Goose Award in 1984, Patrick Benson lives in Hawick, England.